Peru’s Presidential Election: A Tight and Polarized Race

A supporter holds a banner for presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori during her final campaign rally in Lima, Peru. Peruvians are set to choose their new president this Sunday. The race is notably polarized, with Keiko Fujimori running against leftist candidate Roberto Sánchez.

Polls have shown Fujimori leading slightly, though around a quarter of voters remain undecided. Recent reports suggest Sánchez may have improved his position in the final week. Keiko Fujimori relies on her father’s controversial legacy. Her father, Alberto Fujimori, was known for dealing with hyperinflation and insurgents but also faced severe corruption charges.

“If she wins, expect a discourse on democracy, but with potentially authoritarian actions,” says political scientist Paula Távara. “Protests may face repression.”

This election marks the fourth runoff for Keiko Fujimori. In past elections, she narrowly lost or contested results, citing unproven fraud claims. Critics accuse her of blocking investigations into corruption and destabilizing governments, which some believe has contributed to Peru having nine presidents in ten years.

Fujimori vows to tackle the country’s violent crime wave, echoing her father’s tough approach. Yet, she faces accusations of being a key factor in the nation’s political turmoil.

Roberto Sánchez represents the left-wing faction but is also an unpopular candidate. He has past ties to former president Pedro Castillo, whose administration ended in controversy and corruption accusations. Initially, Sánchez advocated for economic policies like nationalization, drawing comparisons to Cuba or North Korea. However, he has since shifted towards a more centrist stance.

Sánchez’s campaign has faced challenges due to ties with Antauro Humala, a former army officer with a radical background. Humala served prison time for leading a deadly uprising in 2005, and his involvement in the campaign raises concerns among voters.

The polls will close at 5 p.m. Peruvian time. Election results might be announced that night, but if the count is close, it may take days to finalize the outcome.